Whole-genome sequencing identifies functional genes for environmental adaptation in Chinese sheep

Yinan Niu; Yefang Li; Yuhetian Zhao; Xiaohong He; Qianjun Zhao; Yabin Pu; Yuehui Ma; Lin Jiang

doi:10.1016/j.jgg.2024.08.011

Volume 51 Issue 11

Nov. 2024

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Article Navigation > Journal of Genetics and Genomics > 2024 > 51(11): 1278-1285

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Whole-genome sequencing identifies functional genes for environmental adaptation in Chinese sheep

doi: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.08.011

a. State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100193, China;
b. National Germplasm Center of Domestic Animal Resources, Ministry of Technology, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100193, China

Funds:

This project was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32222079, 31961143021), the earmarked fund for the Modern Agro-industry Technology Research System (CARS-39-01), the Science and Technology Innovation Project of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ASTIP-IAS01), and National Key Research and Development Program of China (2022YFF1000104-3).

Received Date: 2024-02-22
Accepted Date: 2024-08-29
Rev Recd Date: 2024-08-28

Available Online: 2025-06-06

Publish Date: 2024-09-12

Abstract

Abstract

Sheep (Ovis aries), among the first domesticated species, are now globally widespread and exhibit remarkable adaptability to diverse environments. In this study, we perform whole-genome sequencing of 266 animals from 18 distinct Chinese sheep populations, each displaying unique phenotypes indicative of adaptation to varying environmental conditions. Integrating 131 environmental factors with single nucleotide polymorphism variations, we conduct a comprehensive genetic-environmental association analysis. This analysis identifies 35 key genes likely integral to the environmental adaptation of sheep. The functions of these genes include fat tail formation (HOXA10, HOXA11, JAZF1), wool characteristics (FER, FGF5, MITF, PDE4B), horn phenotypes (RXFP2), reproduction (HIBADH, TRIM71, C6H4orf22), and growth traits (ADGRL3, TRHDE). Notably, we observe a significant correlation between the frequency of missense mutations in the PAPSS2 and RXFP2 genes and variations in altitude. Our study reveals candidate genes for adaptive variation in sheep and demonstrates the diversity in how sheep adapt to their environment.
- Whole-genome sequencing,
- Local adaptation,
- PAPSS2,
- RXFP2,
- Missense variant

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References(47)

References

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